Lorraine Davies, Business Engagement Manager at the University of Brighton

In today’s fast-paced, always-on world, the demands on businesses have never been greater. For many of us, particularly those based in Sussex, the pressure to keep operations running smoothly around the clock has led to an inevitable question: how can we maintain productivity without burning out our most valuable resource – our people?

As someone who has spent over two decades working closely with businesses, I’ve seen first-hand the challenges that come with operating in a 24/7 environment. The expectation to be constantly available and responsive can lead to inefficiencies, stress, and ultimately a decline in both employee well-being and business performance. However, taking time out to reflect and consider new ideas, offering new ways of looking at things, at doing things differently, can provide solutions that allow us to ‘work smarter, not harder’.

So why do companies need to innovate?

Businesses must differentiate themselves from their competitors in order to gain a competitive advantage. Innovation can lead to attracting and retaining more customers with the development or adaptation of new products and services that meet their changing needs and preferences.
Innovation can also power growth, increasing efficiency through the development of new processes, tools, and technologies, helping to reduce costs, improve productivity and performance, often in a low-risk environment. It can also help to open new markets and revenue streams, attracting investment and funding.

By staying relevant and keeping up with changes in technology and industry trends, businesses can be more flexible and adaptable to changes in the market and business environment, and use innovation to help meet regulatory requirements and standards for their products and services.
Innovation also benefits our region economically, through the creation of new jobs and opportunities, both within the business and in the wider community.

Embracing technology for efficiency

One of the most significant ways innovation can transform the 24/7 work environment is through the strategic use of technology. Automation, artificial intelligence, and machine learning are no longer just buzzwords – they are tools that can streamline operations and reduce the manual workload on employees.

Adopting cloud-based project management tools have enhanced collaboration across different time zones and locations, reducing the need for constant, real-time communication, businesses can maintain momentum without the burnout.

Fostering a culture of innovation

But innovation isn’t just about technology – it’s about fostering and embedding a culture that encourages creative problem-solving. In a 24/7 work environment, where the risk of fatigue is high, it’s essential that businesses cultivate a workplace culture that supports innovation at all levels.

Encouraging employees to take ownership of their work and to think critically about how they can improve processes is crucial. This could be as simple as implementing regular brainstorming sessions or as ambitious as offering training in innovation methodologies like design thinking. By empowering your team to innovate, you’re not just improving processes, you’re also boosting morale and engagement, which are vital in a round-the-clock work environment.

The importance of work-life balance

No discussion about innovation in a 24/7 work environment would be complete without addressing work-life balance. It’s easy to assume that working longer hours equates to higher productivity, but research consistently shows that overwork leads to diminishing returns.

Instead, innovation can be the key to achieving a healthier work-life balance. Flexible working arrangements, supported by technology, allow employees to manage their time more effectively. This could mean adopting a four-day workweek, implementing staggered shifts, or simply allowing more flexibility in start and finish times.

Conclusion: A smarter way forward

The future of work is undoubtedly 24/7, but that doesn’t mean it has to be done by one person, or that it has to be exhausting. By embracing innovation, both in terms of technology and culture, businesses can thrive in this demanding environment. The goal should always be to work smarter, not harder. By doing so, we can create a sustainable, efficient, and more human-centric approach to business that benefits both employees and the bottom line.

I’ve heard so many inspirational stories of how businesses have had to innovate, and Brighton has some brilliant success stories to shout about, where new services and products have been launched, new business models have been rapidly adopted. Ultimately, we all need to continuously review and adapt our processes and practices. Innovation, whether planned or forced, can have great benefits. Every day, my team and I are supporting businesses in Brighton and Hove with their great ideas. If you’re keen for a no-nonsense exploration of how innovation could improve your business, get in touch, we’d love to hear from you.

Find out more at www.brighton.ac.uk/business, or talk to the team at knowledgeexchange@brighton.ac.uk.

Brighton Summit 24/7 is on 23 October at The Corn Exchange at Brighton Dome. It’s a full day jam-packed with super speakers, wonderful workshops, brilliant breakouts, next-level networking and so much more to help us explore this year’s 24/7 theme. See what’s happening so far on our Brighton Summit schedule, and book your ticket here.